Interview with Writer/Director Francesco "Kento" Carlo

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Give voice to those who are not heard - I have decided to make this movie because I think it is really important to unveil the situation of youngsters detained in prisons. Secondly, I think it is fundamental to underline how laboratories of rap and theatre are essential for people who are in prison.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

You should watch it because it is made by people who put their heart into trying to improve young prisoners' life.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

I think they are connected: the conditions and, most importantly, the well-being of people who are detained is the key theme of my film.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

I am happy because this movie is the product of huge teamwork and by going on with the process of creating it, we had new ideas day by day. We also had the opportunity to reflect on the laboratories we are conducting in multiple prisons that host minors: we want to improve what we do to always make those youngsters feel better, despite their situation.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

People, fans, educators and especially youngsters are really happy about it!

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I was surprised because I've always thought we did a good job by making this film: at the same time, I didn't expect that people's reaction would have been that enthusiastic!

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I think people all around the globe should start questioning the situation of youngsters detained in prisons, as well as the importance of music, theatre and art in general for those people whose freedom has been taken away from them.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

I would say journalists!

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

As I wrote before, I think the objective of this movie, as well as many other activities or events we are planning, is to show the community to open their eyes and start knowing a bit more about the conditions of people in prisons.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

The questions we hope will help spark a debate by watching this movie would be: what are the conditions of prisons in my country? Minors and adults have the possibility to follow activities that can make them express their emotions and sensibilities. Is there something I can do about it?

Would you like to add anything else?

Watch this movie and let me know what you think about it !!!

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

We have a few projects going on right now, all focused on trying to improve youngsters in difficult situations: from prisons to poor suburbs. We do our best and we will continue to fight to make this world a better place for everyone!

Interview: May 2023

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

Barre Aperte

Give voice to those who are not heard.

Director: Francesco "Kento" Carlo

Producer: CCO - Crisi Come Opportunità

Writer: Francesco "Kento Carlo"

About the writer, director and producer:

FRANCESCO "KENTO" CARLO is an Italian Rapper and author. His first book has been translated into English and published in the USA in late 2018, with a presentation tour that touched both the East and West Coast from New York to California in 2018-19. Kento’s second book (Te Lo Dico In Rap) was published in 2020, and is the first book for kids in Italy to talk about rap and Hip-Hop Culture. His third book (Barre – Rap, Sogni e Segreti in un Carcere Minorile) was published in 2021 and is dedicated to the rap workshops held by Kento in several juvenile prisons throughout Italy. In 2022, Kento starred in the web series Barre Aperte on Repubblica TV and Keep It Trill on the Huffington Post. He is currently working on his new album, performing around Italy and still teaching creative writing in schools, drug rehab centers and juvenile halls.

Key cast: Francesco "Kento" Carlo

Looking for: film festival directors and journalists

Facebook: Kento

Twitter: @FrancescoKento

Instagram: @francescokento

Hashtags used: #barreaperte

Other: YouTube

Made in association with: CCO - Crisi Come Opportunità

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?

Hip Hop Cinefest